Have you ever craved the perfect strip of bacon with its crispy edges and tender center? Cooking bacon in the oven is a game-changer, offering a fuss-free method that frees up your stovetop and lets you cook large batches at once. Whether you're prepping a big family breakfast or adding a savory touch to a dish, oven-cooked bacon is the way to go for consistency, convenience & easy clean up!
Preparing Your Bacon
- Select Quality Bacon: Look for bacon that has a good balance of fat and meat; this will ensure it cooks up nicely with great flavor. At Driftless Provisions, we exclusively craft our bacon with pork from pasture-raised hogs, flavor our bacon with real ingredients - always free of sketchy additives or synthetic nitrates.
- Room Temperature: Let your bacon sit out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Prep the Bacon: Arrange the slices on the baking sheet without overlapping them, as this will help them cook evenly and get that desirable crispness.
What You'll Need to Cook
- A large baking sheet - This will serve as the base for your bacon strips.
- An oven-safe rack (optional) - Placing this on the baking sheet can help fat drip away and make the bacon crisper.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional) - For easier cleanup, you can line your baking sheet with these.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- If you choose to, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Place the oven-safe rack onto the baking sheet, if you're using one.
- Lay the bacon strips out flat on the rack or directly on the baking sheet. Make sure they don't overlap, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes. Thin slices may need less time, while thicker cuts might need a bit more. Keep an eye on your bacon to ensure it doesn't overcook.
- When the bacon is golden brown and as crispy as you like, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.
Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so the first time you try this method, watch closely to find the perfect timing for your appliance.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Now that you know how to cook bacon in the oven, it's time to think about how to serve it. Bacon is incredibly versatile and can be a star in many dishes or a delightful accompaniment. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast Classics: Pair bacon with eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a traditional breakfast
- Savory Sandwiches: Add a crispy layer to your favorite sandwich or burger
- Salads: Crumble the bacon over salads for a salty crunch
- Soups and Stews: A little bacon can add depth to the flavor of hearty soups and stews
- Wraps and Appetizers: Wrap bacon around dates or scallops for a crowd-pleasing appetizer
- Bacon as a Topping: Sprinkle over baked potatoes, pizzas, or into your mac and cheese
Get creative and explore how bacon can enhance your favorite dishes. For more inspiration and top-quality bacon, visit Driftless Provisions and discover our maple bacon!